The assailant is often a known person such as a relative or partner, but they may also be a stranger or someone who very little is known about. The attack may happen indoors or outdoors. The assailant may break into the victim’s home, may be invited in, or may force the victim to enter their home. There may be more than one assailant.

Consent means agreeing to a sexual activity of any kind. This means actually wanting to do something not just saying yes out of fear of the consequences of saying no. If someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs consent should never be assumed.

No. The other person has to have a reasonable belief that you are consenting. So for example, if you are asleep, or very drunk, they couldn’t claim that they thought you were consenting. Contrary to popular myth (see the Myths section) many rape victims freeze rather than fight and scream. Nobody can assume that you will consent just because you are married, in a relationship or have had sex with them before, it is up to you whether you consent or not every single time.

The law considers that children under 13 cannot give their consent to any sexual activity, therefore, any penetration of the mouth, vagina or anus of a person under that age is automatically rape. The age at which children can legally consent to sexual activity is 16 so it is an offence to have sex with a child who is between the ages of 13 and 16 even if that child is willing to participate, although as there is the element of consent it is not rape. In some circumstances, for example, a teacher/pupil relationship or other position of trust is unlawful to have sex with someone under 18.

Sexual Assault is when another person penetrates the anus or vagina with an object (such as a vibrator) or fingers without consent. Sexual Assault also includes being touched in a sexual way without consent. Sexual Assault can be carried out by a male or female to a male or female.

Sexual exploitation, prostitution and possessing or making indecent images are all offences included in the Sexual Offences Act.

It is also an offence for adults to encourage or force children into sexual acts including exposing them to sexual acts or pornography. Essentially if someone does something to you against your will in a sexual way it is likely to be an offence.

Confidentiality

We will not tell anyone, including partners, parents, teachers, friends, family or doctors that you have spoken to us or came to see us unless you ask us to. Anything you say to us will be treated with respect. There are times when confidentiality may need to be broken so that we can protect you under the law. However, we will ALWAYS try and discuss this with you first. For example, if you tell us, or we think you are in danger or at risk of harm to yourself and/or others including children, we will contact the relevant agencies to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

The Glade Our two centres are located in Telford and Bransford, Worcestershire. All self referrals should be initially made via telephone - full address details of our centres will be given via telephone only.